Flushing device



March 1936. E. A. FREDRICKSON El AL 2,033,064

FLUSHING DEVICE Fil ed Nov. 17, 1933 Patented Mar. 3, 1936 FLUSHING DEVICE Application November 17, 1933, Serial No. 698,442

15 Claims.

This invention relates to a tank discharge device and more particularly to that type commonly used for plumbing purposes, having an actuating means for automatically starting the discharge of the liquid contents thereof when the liquid therein reaches a given level and permitting the discharge to continue until the tank is practically empty.

More particularly, one of the objects of this invention is to discharge the liquid contents of the tank intermittently with a device which is devoid of moving parts which might otherwise get out of order, and thus be objectionable.

The primary object of the invention is to provide simple and reliable means for installation of an automatic flushing means in a tank to replace the usual form of fioat types, and which is capable of being mounted in active position with reliability, durability, and certainty as to practical service.

Another object of this invention is to provide a unique arrangement for expediting prompt starting action in an automatic device by creating siphonic action.

Another object is to provide for a wide range of flushing intervals.

Another object of this invention is to provide for a valve for the creation of siphonic action entirely within the valve housing by means of an air ejector, and in which the starting of the siphonic action is greatly expedited thereby.

Another advantage arising from this invention lies in the fact that since the minimum rate of Water rise is permissibly a great deal slower with the ejector installed, it allows for longer intervals between flushes, which is particularly advantageous where water shortages are frequent, and in which economical use of water is, therefore, essential. Also by using an ejector arrange-- ment a larger eductor tube can be used, reducing to a minimum the possibilities of clogging.

Obviously the time between flushes of water from the tank depends upon the rate in which the water level in the tank rises. The latter may be filled by any convenient means, not shown; as for example, a cock or a valve, to control the supply of Water from any suitable source. The precise location of such controlling means is immaterial, as the supply of water to the tank (1) may be made in many ways and supply connections to various parts of the tank may be made for this purpose. Similarly, the tank may be modified in size so as to increase or decrease its holding capacity thereof, and correspondingly vary the volume of liberated Water and also the prolongation of the flushing service at timed intervals.

The proportions of this apparatus obviously may be so made as to cause the automatic discharge of the contents of the tank at a high predetermined level, the inlet being disposed at a suitable distance above the bottom surface of the tank.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent upon reading of the description as follows, in which Fig. 1 is a sectional assembly view showing our device installed in a conventional tank for flushing purposes.

Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the assembly taken on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a sectional View of the assembly taken on line 33 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is an enlargement of the air ejector and is shown as installed in the tubing in Figs. 1 and 3.

Directing attention to Fig. l, the numeral I' refers to a partial sectional view of a conventional water receptacle or tank, to which the body portion 2 of our invention is attached within a circular opening 4a in said tank as shown, by means of the threaded extensions or shank 3. The threads of the shank 3 through the opening engage the nut 5, drawing the lower surface of said body portion at the shoulder in against the gasket 6 to form a water-tight joint. Engaging the threads 4 is a union ring 1 bearing against the gasket 8, which abuts against the end surface of the said shank when suitable discharge tubing (not shown) is placed withinthe opening 9. A H

cup-shaped member l I is placed loosely upon the interior annular shoulder l2 of the body 2, by means of several equally spaced, radially extending lugs l3. Surrounding the peripheral limits of the lugs l3 are the internal threads M which engage a similarly threaded extension of the cap 15, forming a pressure-tight bearing at the shoulder Ma as indicated. Preferably in alignment with the cup-shaped member II, the cap I5 is tapped in its upper surface for the relatively large diameter tubing l6 at the threaded opening I1 and off to one side thereof for the relatively smaller eductor tubing l8 by means of the threads IS, the alignment of the latter being such that they permit the filling of fluid within the upward extending rim of the cupll. At the upper end of the eductor tube l8 an air ejector I9 is threaded into said tubing, the lengths of each of said tubes being sufiicient to allow for the accumulation of the desired depth of water within the til tank for flushing purposes, the length of the eductor tube being slightly longer than the large tubing for reasons hereinafter explained. Two drilled holes or ports 2| diametrically opposite are located near the end of the tubing I8, at a point just below the top end 32a of the larger tubing, the air eduction occurring through the port opening 22 of the ejector [9; the shoulder 23 being pulled up tightly against the end of the tubing by means of the threads 24. As shown, the length of the eductor tube I8 is made so that it projects beyond the edge of the rim 32a of the larger tubing I 6, allowing for the lower end of the air ejector nozzle extending approximately to the lower edges of the holes 2|, the latter being located just below the rim 32a. Attached to the body 2 are several equally spaced, radially extending shoulders 25, of relatively thin thickness (as shown more clearly in Fig. 2) which are so made as not to impede the entrance of water as it accumulates within the tank and rises accordingly.

Encompassing the entire assembly above described, a hood 26-is placed, supported by the lugs 25. As shown, this hood entirely encloses such assembly except for the lower end thereof which is open, its annular rim 25a resting upon the lugs 25.

It is obvious that by means of the hood structure we accomplish the advantages of an enclosed compound curved siphon, which is devoid of any possibility of failure to function because of improper operation of any moving parts, and also since the enclosure member is part of the siphon and formed as a part thereof, it eliminates the possibility of exterior tampering therewith or of being affected by the accumulation of extraneous matter.

From the foregoing description it will be apparent that our invention possesses no moving parts whatever and only a few simple easily threaded joints which can be conveniently made tight.

The operation of our device is relatively simple, as the following description will disclose:

After the tank has commenced to fill by actuation of the usual supply means, the water level rises within the tank until it commences to pour over the lower edges of the holes 2| in the eductor tube l8.

As the water rises within the tank, it surrounds the exterior of the hood 26 and also fills the interior chamber 3| respectively, surrounding the upright tubes l6 and 3 within the said chamber.

The water within the chamber 3| having risen to the level of the holes 2|, passing therethrough around the nozzle tip 20, downwardly inside the eductor tube l8, then through the port 21a, discharging into the cup H within the space 21. It follows that sufficient water accumulates within the later space to seal the main siphon tube l6 from atmosphere by means of the extension 28, as a part of the cap l5, by rising to a depth higher than the lower edge 29. As soon as this accumulation of water becomes higher in depth than the lower edge 29 of the extension 28 of the siphon tube IS, a partial vacuum within the tube l6 and within the hood 26 occurs, being caused by the eduction of air created by the water flowing downwardly past the nozzle 2la through the opening 20 into the interior of the eductor tube I 8.

The atmospheric balance of pressure is thus broken because of such partial vacuum occurring and the atmospheric pressure acting upon the water within the space 3| forces the water into the port 32 over the edge 32a of the tube 16,

downwardly into the water seal cup I l, forcing the water therein out over the rim 33 down the inner walls of the body 2, through the port 9, to such plumbing fixture as desired, such as a bowl or urinal. The discharge of water will continue until the water seal of the end 25a is broken, at which time the tank will be substantially empty.

The cycle of operation described in the foregoing is repeated upon the tank again filling to the proper level to create the automatic discharge by siphonic action.

It is obvious that many modifications can be made in this structure without departing from the spirit of the invention. We, therefore, desire to be limited only to the extent of the claims appended hereto.

We claim:

1. In a tank with a water supply means, a body member fixedly attached to the bottom of said tank, said body member having a downwardly directed discharge port and an inlet opposite thereto, a cup-shaped water seal member supported within said inlet, a cap for said body member, the latter having connected thereto a pair of upright tubes of unequal size, the larger thereto being so attached as to be sealed by said water seal member, the smaller tube arranged to cooperate with said cup-shaped member to form a water seal therewithin, perforations in the walls of the upper end of the smaller tubing, an ejector at the upper end thereof, and an enclosure member within the tank for the entire assembly, supported by said body member.

2. In a tank with a water supply means, a body member fixedly attached to the bottom of said tank, said body member having a downwardly directed discharge port and an inlet opposite thereto, said body member being provided on its exterior with a plurality of supporting ribs, a liquid containing sealing member supported within said inlet, a cap for said body member, the latter having connected thereto a pair of upright tubes of unequal size, the larger thereof being so attached as to be sealed at its lower end by said water seal member, the smaller tube providing for the maximum water level attainable, and directing such surplus of water accumulating to form a water seal for the larger of said tubing, an ejector in close proximity to the leveling means of said smaller tubing, and an enclosure member within said tank for the complete assembly.

3. In a tank with a water supply means, a

body member fixedly attached to bottom of said tank, said body member having a downwardly directed discharge port and an inlet opposite thereto, a liquid containing sealing member, a cap for said body member, said cap having a pair of upright tubes of unequal size, the larger of said tubes being so made as to be sealed at its lower end by the water seal member, the smaller tube providing for the maximum water level attainable, said smaller tube directing the water flow so as to form a water seal for the larger tubing, an ejector at the upper end of said smaller tubing and an enclosure member within said tank for the complete assembly.

4. In a tank with a water supply means, a body member supported by the said tank, said body member having a downwardly directed discharge port and an inlet opposite thereto, a cup-shaped water seal member supported within said inlet, a cap for said body member, the latter having connected thereto a pair of upright tubes of unequal size, the larger thereof being so attached as to be sealed by the said cup-shaped member, the smaller tubing cooperating with said cup-shaped member so as to form a water seal therewithin, air inlet means at the upper portion of said smaller tubing, ejector means at the upper end thereof positioned beyond the upper end of said larger upright tubing, and a housing within the tank superposed above the entire assembly.

5. In a tank with a water supply means, a body member supported by the said tank, said body member having a downwardly directed discharge port and an inlet opposite thereto, said body member being provided on its exterior with a plurality of supporting ribs, a liquid containing sealing member supported within said inlet, a cap for said body member, the latter having connected thereto a pair of upright tubes of unequal size, the larger thereof being so positioned as to be sealed at its lower end by said water sealing member, the smaller tube providing for the maximum water level attainable within the said tank, and directing such surplus of water accumulating therewithin downwardly to form a water seal for the larger of said tubing, an ejector within said smaller tubing positioned at approximately the level of tank overflow discharge established by the larger of said upright tubing, and an enclosure member within said tank for the complete assembly.

6. In a tank with a Water supply means, a body member positioned upon the bottom of the said tank, said body member having a downwardly directed discharge port and an inlet opposite thereto, the said body member being positioned between the said inlet and the said discharge port, a liquid containing sealing member supported within said inlet, a cap for the said body member, the latter having connected thereto a pair of upright tubes of unequal size, the larger thereof being so positioned as to be sealed at its lower end by the said sealing member, the smaller tube providing for the maximum water level attainable within the said tank and directing such surplus of water accumulating therein downwardly to form the said water seal for the larger of said tubing within said sealing member, an ejector within said smaller tubing positioned at approximately the overflow discharge established by the larger of the said upright tubing, and an enclosure member within said tank substantially concealing the entire assembly.

'7. In a tank with a liquid supply means, a compound curved siphon formed within said tank and having its outlet extending downward and through said tank, an enclosure member superposed over and substantially forming that portion of said siphon which is within said tank, an overflow tube comprisng a portion of the said siphon, said siphon being actuated by an aspirat ing untrapped ejector comprising a nozzle fitted into the upper end of an eductor tube within said enclosure member, the said eductor tube providing for substantially unidirectional flow therewithin and being located within the annularly formed space formed by the said overflow tube and the interior of the said enclosure member, the outlet of said eductor tube communicating with the discharge side of the siphon and serving to supply a water seal within the siphon.

8. In a tank with a liquid supply means, an enclosure member located within said tank having a compound curved siphon substantially formed therewithin for discharging liquid from said tank, an overflow tube and a liquid seal within the said siphon, means for producing a partial vacuum within said enclosure member after said liquid reaches a predetermined level within said tank, said vacuum-producing means comprising a renewable nozzle located at the upper end of an untrapped eductor tube positioned exteriorly of the said overflow tube and housed within said enclosure member.

9. In a tank with a liquid supply means, an enclosure member located within said tank having a compound curved siphon substantially formed therewithin for discharging liquid from said tank, a liquid seal within the siphon, an overflow tube comprising a part of the said siphon, means for producing a partial vacuum within said enclosure member after said liquid reaches a predetermined level within said tank, said vacuum-producing means comprising a restricted orifice nozzle in the upper end of an untrapped eductor tube and housed within said enclosure member exteriorly of the said overflow tube.

10. In a tank with a water supply means, a body member fixedly attached to the bottom of said tank, said body member having a downwardly directed discharge port and an inlet opposite thereto, a cup-shaped water seal member supported within said inlet, a cap for said body member, the latter having connected thereto a pair of upright tubes of unequal size, the larger thereof being so attached as to be sealed by said water seal member, the smaller tube arranged to cooperate with said cup-shaped member to form a water seal therewithin, perforations in the walls of the upper end of the smaller tube, anejector nozzle at the upper end thereof, and an enclosure member within the tank for the entire assembly, supported by said body member.

11. In a tank with a water supply means, a body member fixedly attached to the bottom of said tank, said body member having a downwardly directed discharge port and an inlet opposite thereto, said body member being provided on its exterior with a plurality of supporting ribs, a liquid containing sealing member supported within said inlet, a cap for said body member, the latter having connected thereto a pair of upright tubes of unequal size, the larger thereof being so attached as to be sealed at its lower end by said water seal member, the smaller tube providing for the maximum water level attainable and directing such surplus of water accumulating to form a water seal for the larger of said tubes, an ejector of nozzle form in close proximity to the leveling means of said smaller tube, and an enclosure member within said tank for the complete assembly.

12. In a tank with a water supply means, a body member fixedly attached to bottom of said tank, said body member having a downwardly directed discharge port and an inlet opposite thereto, a liquid containing sealing member, a cap for said body member, said cap having a pair of upright tubes of unequal size, the larger of said tubes being so made as to be sealed at its lower end by the water seal member, the smaller tube providing for the maximum water level attainable, said smaller tube directing the water flow so as to form a water seal for the larger tube, an ejector nozzle at the upper end of said smaller tube and an enclosure member within said tank for the complete assembly.

13. In a tank with a water supply means, a body member supported by the said tank, said body member having a downwardly directed discharge port and an inlet opposite thereto, a cupshaped water seal member supported within said inlet, a cap for said body member, the latter having connected thereto a pair of upright tubes of unequal size, the larger thereof being so attached as to be sealed by the said cup-shaped member, the smaller tubing cooperating with said cupshaped member so as to form a water seal therewithin, air inlet meansat the upper portion of said smaller tubing, ejector nozzle means at the upper end thereof positioned beyond the upper end of said larger upright tubing, and a housing within the tank superposed above the entire assembly.

14. In a tank with a water supply means, a body member supported by the said tank, said body member having a downwardly directed discharge port and an inlet opposite thereto, said body member being provided on its exterior with a plurality of supporting ribs, a liquid containing sealing member supported within said inlet, a cap for said body member, the latter having connected thereto a pair of upright tubes of unequal size, the larger thereof being so positioned as to be sealed at its lower end by said water sealing member, the smaller tube providing for the maximum water level attainable within the said tank, and directing such surplus of water accumulating therewithin downwardly to form a water seal for the larger of said tubing, an ejector of nozzle form within said smaller tubing positioned at approximately the level of tank overfiow'discharge established by the larger of said upright tubing, and an enclosure member within said tank for the complete assembly.

15. In a tank with a water supply means, a body member positioned upon the bottom of the said tank, said body member having a downwardly directed discharge port and an inlet opposite thereto, the said body member being positioned between the said inlet and the said discharge port, a liquid containing sealing member supported within said inlet, a cap for the said body member, the latter having connected thereto a pair of upright tubes of unequal size, the larger thereof being so positioned as to be sealed at its lower end by the said sealing member, the smaller tube providing for the maximum water level attainable within the said tank and direct ing such surplus of water accumulating therein downwardly to form the said water seal for the larger of said tubing within said sealing member, an ejector of nozzle form within said smaller tubing positioned at approximately the overflow discharge established by the larger of the said upright tubing, and an enclosure member within said tank substantially concealing the entire as- 25 sembly.

EDWARD A. FREDRICKSON. JAMES G. CEKAL. 

